Incumbent Dennis Paul will face challenger Doug Peterson for a spot in the state legislature. Paul has been in the state legislature since 2015.
District 129 covers the majority of the northern part of the Bay Area in Harris County. The area includes much of Seabrook and Webster, and parts of Friendswood, Houston and League City, according to a map of the district.
Early voting starts Oct. 21. Election Day will be held Nov. 5.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Dennis Paul
Experience:
State Rep. for District 129, lifelong area resident, small business owner for 22 years
Candidate Website:
https://dennispaul.com
If elected, what is your top priority?
[I will] continue working on the coastal barrier, which I sponsored. It will provide critical flood mitigation to our region. [I will] continue working to reduce property taxes, which will provide more money for your family. [I will] continue to work tirelessly to secure our border.
What, in your opinion, is the biggest issue or challenge facing your district right now?
Flooding. My coastal barrier bill passed, which will help fight flooding. Secure our border now. I will continue to support hiring more border … officers and make sure Texas has no sanctuary cities. Lower property taxes. More money for you and your family. Crime. Keep dangerous predators off our streets.
What kind of school-related legislation do you feel the state should be focused on?
I continue working to ensure that public education is fully funded, that parental rights are secured and that comprehensive plans are enacted to keep our children safe in school. I will also continue to oppose any curriculum that seeks to tear down our state and nation.
Are there any economic-related policies you would support in the upcoming legislative session, such as to boost business or help Texans with inflation?
I will continue working to reduce burdensome government regulation, wasteful spending and property taxes. Thereby, helping small businesses, local families and our economy. Together, we will continue the Texas economic miracle that has happened since Republicans won a majority in the Texas Legislature.
In your view, what can the state do about rising property taxes?
We enacted an $18 billion property tax cut, which was a good start but more still needs to be done. I will continue fighting for an increased homestead exemption and lower school property taxes to lower the overall property tax burden for families and small businesses.
Doug Peterson
Experience:
NASA/JSC External Relations retiree, former Harris County community relations, Exploration Green vice chair, environmental activist
Candidate Website:
www.DougPeterson4TX129.com
If elected, what is your top priority?
Reproductive rights for women. Texas abortion and vigilante legislation is extreme, making pregnancy a potentially life-threatening condition for mothers. Girls and women pregnant from rape or incest have no recourse from ruined life. ... Protect IVF and birth control.
What, in your opinion, is the biggest issue or challenge facing your district right now?
Quality of life in [the] Bay Area, already nice with aging communities, can be made better. More green spaces like my Exploration Green, better transportation, less congestion and newer streets, insist on cleaner air and water, more flood mitigation, create walkable city centers ... and replace 1960s era apartments.
What kind of school-related legislation do you feel the state should be focused on?
First, increase state funding to 65% and homeowners 35%, rather than the current reverse. Legislative commitment that all [school districts] have solid year-to-year budgets, no political games for vouchers. Safe schools where excellent teachers have increased pay and annuities. Stop state takeover of schools from parents and voters by appointed partisans.
Are there any economic-related policies you would support in the upcoming legislative session, such as to boost business or help Texans with inflation?
Initial steps to buy down state sales tax with probably [the] largest ever state tax revenue in recent years. Increase [the] size of homestead tax for residential homeowners and develop new methods to include renters. Reduce all vehicle registration fees up to $100 and decrease gas tax to 10 cents per gallon.
In your view, what can the state do about rising property taxes?
Use more of [the] $27 [billion] rainy day fund. Improve state management of services. … Decrease state spending on unsuccessful border projects and work with [the] federal government to increase effectiveness. Share property appraisal systems information to help taxpayers justify lower appraisals and taxes. Increase homestead exemptions.
